FORT WAYNE,Ind.—Are men and women truly different in behavior, desires and needs, and wiring? As humans, are we genetically wired to be sexually monogamous? Are humans by nature aggressive? These and other common conceptions of human nature will be explored by prestigious primatologist Agustín Fuentes, professor and chair of anthropology at the University of Notre Dame. Providing an accessible and engaging discussion of culture, experience, and evolution, Fuentes will argue that a better understanding of the these aspects of the human condition requires us to dispose of simplistic notions of “nature or nurture."

Fuentes will present "It's Not All Sex and Violence: Complexity and Cooperation in Human Evolution...and Why It Matters" at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) on Thursday, March 20, at 7 p.m. in the Walb Union Classic Ballroom, Room 126.

The event is free and open to the public. A reception with hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will follow the lecture.

An original and authoritative voice in the study of human origins, Fuentes has done extensive research on the evolution of human behavior and the behavior of nonhuman primates. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Geographic Society, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. He has published numerous articles and book chapters, four monographs, and eight edited volumes. His presentation will be based around his most recent monograph, Race, Monogamy, and Other Lies They Told You: Busting Myths About Human Nature (2012, University of California Press).

Fuentes does not shy away from discussion of controversial topics, including human nature, race, aggression, and the role that culture, experience, and evolution plays in all of them. A compelling and energetic speaker, Fuentes is regularly featured on NPR and other national media, and he is a National Geographic Society Explorer

This presentation is sponsored by the IPFW Anthropology Club, in conjunction with Biology Club and Psi Chi.

For more information on Fuentes visit his website. For additional lecture information contact Nicole Wilkins, chief communications officer, at 260-481-4174 or wilknn01@ipfw.edu.